Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Back in the 1990s, it still wasn’t the age of the internet.
These days, late-night anime and VOD subscriptions are the norm, but when you think of 90s anime, it was all about those early evening broadcasts.
Many of you probably spent your grade-school days rushing home after classes and turning on the TV right away.
This time, we’re featuring anime songs from that nostalgic 90s era!
Be sure to look for tracks from the shows you were obsessed with.
They’re great picks to keep in mind for karaoke, too!
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- [Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (91–100)
Catch You Catch Megumi
This was the debut single released under the name GUMI by Megumi Hinata—who would later become known for her solo work as meg rock and as part of Melocure—and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime Cardcaptor Sakura.
The chorus clearly bears the stylistic imprint of its lyricist and composer, Kohmi Hirose, and for many people that vibe is directly connected to their image of Cardcaptor Sakura.
There’s also a cover version by Sakura Tange, the voice actress for the anime’s protagonist, Sakura Kinomoto, so be sure to check that out as well!
Flames Go! Fight!Tokugaki Tomoko
When I see a title like this, I can’t help but think, “Now this is a true anison.” It’s the theme song for the TV anime “Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei,” based on a manga themed around super dodgeball.
It’s sung by Tomoko Tokugaki, known both as a musical theater actress and an anison singer, and it was released as a single in 1991.
The opening animation—with the ball blazing at incredible speed—brings back nostalgic memories.
Listening again, the hard-edged guitar and the roaming bass line in the B section are seriously cool.
PoetKitajima Saburō
This is the opening theme of the children’s anime Ojarumaru.
The relaxed feel that evokes the Heian period and the gentle melody make it very pleasant to listen to.
It’s sung by Saburo Kitajima, a giant in the enka world.
You can’t help but say, “That’s Sab-chan for you!”—his wonderful singing voice is irresistible.
I’m a popular kid.nohara shin nosuke (yajima akiko)
It’s the opening theme of Crayon Shin-chan.
Released as a single under the anime character’s name and sung by the voice actor, it became a massive hit, making history as the first of its kind to enter the Oricon Top 10.
Some of you might even be able to sing it without looking at the lyrics, right? It’s one of the classic anime songs that has been loved for many years.
disarisaka mika
With a grounding in Black music and boasting exceptional vocal prowess, vocalist Mika Arisaka’s debut single also served as the theme song for the TV anime Infinite Ryvius.
From the intro alone—kicking off with weighty choral work—the track makes a huge impact and leaves a powerful impression as a modern classic.
The mid-song rap, too, reflects an arrangement style that captures the late ’90s, when genres like R&B and hip-hop were becoming widely listened to as part of J-pop.
The anime itself featured content that was shockingly emblematic of the very end of the ’90s era…